Introduction
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors in the world. What makes it powerful is its huge collection of extensions that help developers write better code and work faster.
In this post, we’ll look at the top 10 VS Code extensions every developer should use in 2026, whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer.
1. Prettier – Code Formatter
Prettier automatically formats your code and keeps it clean and readable.
Why use it?
- Saves time
- Makes code consistent
- Supports many languages
2. ESLint
ESLint helps you find and fix problems in your JavaScript code.
Key benefits:
- Finds errors early
- Improves code quality
- Works well with Prettier
3. Live Server
Live Server creates a local server and reloads your browser automatically when you save changes.
Best for:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript projects
4. GitLens
GitLens makes Git easier to understand inside VS Code.
Features:
- Shows who changed a line of code
- Helps track code history
- Great for team projects
5. IntelliCode
Powered by AI, IntelliCode gives smart code suggestions.
Why developers love it:
- Faster coding
- Better autocomplete
- Learns from real projects
6. Auto Rename Tag
This extension automatically renames paired HTML or XML tags.
Example: If you rename <div>, the closing </div> updates automatically.
7. Path Intellisense
Path Intellisense helps you autocomplete file paths.
Perfect for:
- Import statements
- Linking files faster
8. Bracket Pair Colorizer
This extension colorizes matching brackets to make code easier to read.
Helpful for:
- Nested code
- Large files
9. Code Spell Checker
Avoid spelling mistakes in comments and variable names.
Why it matters:
- Cleaner code
- More professional projects
10. Thunder Client
Thunder Client is a lightweight API testing tool inside VS Code.
Best alternative to: Postman
Use it for:
- REST APIs
- Quick testing
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right VS Code extensions can completely change the way you code from formatting and debugging to Git management and API testing, these tools help you work faster and write cleaner, more professional code.
At Developer Hint, we help developers discover practical tools and smart tips that make every day coding easier and more productive.
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